Returning to the Road

I’ve continued to hold off hitting the pavement for a run since I’ve injured my hamstring. While I miss one of my most favorite activities, I've pushed myself to transition to other enjoyable, non-painful activities and of course, they're very fun!  I started out walking once the initial sting went away and now I’ve moved into longer road bike rides. I’m ready to commit to a training plan to do a long ride! And it’s given me direction again :)

Out on the road for a bike ride! It was a hazy day but the
mountains were still awesome to see!

I’ve been pretty frustrated with my leg injury – upset since it initially reared its ugly head a couple years ago. This time around, I had just really started to settle in to my new space, had started thinking about training for some kind of race and had just gotten into a routine again for exercise. Despite the setback, I’m now enjoying my modified plan.

I started doing more road biking, knowing that a low impact exercise routine would help me build back some strength without putting a bunch of stress on my joints. I wanted to be active and feel like I was accomplishing something, getting somewhere (literally in distance and figuratively in achievement). I started to ride a little further and started pushing the pace a little more. I found a race coming up in early fall where I can pick the distance – 50 miles, 70 miles, 100 miles! While I’d love to accomplish a century ride, I’m thinking that since this is my comeback tour, I may want to start with the 50. I think I have time to train for the 70, but not sure if it’s smart to push my leg that far. I’m competitive, so I want to do well in this ride. I might choose to stick with the 50, but I have some time to decide so we’ll see.

A mix of corn fields and mountains - quite the view riding!

It’s been a little frustrating and challenging to not be able to enjoy all the things I’d like to. A physical injury has really weakened my physical and mental stamina and strength. I’m not ready to throw in the towel, so I’m rethinking how I approach my goals. Running has typically been the source of my drive and motivation. Biking has been the route to enjoyment and fun, without having a lot of rules to follow. Maybe the tables are turning slightly – finding a way to push myself, without physically destroying myself is important. I’m pulling into that lane as we speak, so I’m going to embrace and enjoy building drive for a road race!

What goals have you been working towards? What activities do you find most enjoyable?!

Miss FitGab